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Latin jazz trumpeter Vega to play LaGuardia May 21

Now recognized as one of the innovators of the new generation of New York Latin jazz players, Vega will display his fiery brand of music with the center’s house band in the college’s intimate venue.

The multi-talented trumpeter, who is also a percussionist, composer, and arranger, is an in-demand artist. He recorded three CDs with Santamaria and performed with Mario Bauz's Afro Cuban Jazz Orchestra during its premiere European tour. He also recorded with Ray Barretto and the New World Spirit on a number of projects including the Grammy nominated “Taboo.”

During this same period, Puente called upon Vega to be the lead trumpeter with his Latin jazz orchestra and recorded many projects with the group including in Grammy winning “Mambo Birdland.”

Vega's trumpet playing can also be heard on Conrad Herwig's Grammy nominated “The Latin Side of Coltrane.”

In addition to his sideman schedule, Vega has developed his own band, The Ray Vega Latin Jazz Sextet, which makes weekly appearances at Kavehaz in Manhattan.

And he has produced two recordingshis self-titled debut “Ray Vega,” and “Boperation.”

The performance begins at 8 p.m. in the college's Little Theatre on Van Dam Street at 47th Avenue in Long Island City. Call 718-482-5151 for tickets.